Viva Deaf Ministry - Orlando, FL 

Pastor Brenda Flores-Cotto is a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God at Viva Church in Orlando, FL. She was born in Alaska while her parents were in the military. At the age of 12, she accepted Jesus into her life and was baptized in Panama. A year later, she went on her first mission trip to serve the San Blas Indians in Panama.

At the age of 21, Brenda felt God calling her to serve the Deaf community, and she has faithfully followed that call ever since.

While on a mission trip to Honduras, Brenda met her husband, Julio Flores, who worked with the ministry "Castillo de Rey." They were married in 2011, and a year later, their son Junien was born. At the time, Brenda was pastoring Viva Deaf Ministry.

Brenda continues to travel on mission trips to places like the Dominican Republic, Congo, Africa, and Honduras. She also works with the School of Ministry Online for the Deaf, furthering her mission to serve and equip others.

Miami Deaf Center - Miami, FL

Pastor Claudia was born and raised in Argentina. She met the Lord at 6 years old at a Christian children's camp. At 14, she confirmed her salvation and was baptized. Claudia met her husband, Marcelo, at a Christian youth camp when she was 15, and after dating for 3 years, they were married.

At 20, while serving in worship, children’s, women’s, and youth ministries at their church, she felt called to minister to the Deaf. She asked herself, "If I meet a Deaf person, how can I share the gospel with them?" Shortly after, she learned that her Bible school was offering a sign language course, and she enrolled in a year-long class.

In 2000, Claudia and her husband moved to the United States. She continued her ASL studies and began interpreting church services from Spanish to ASL in a Hispanic church. They soon realized the need went beyond interpreting, so they began teaching Bible classes, hosting social events, and serving in various Deaf ministry roles. In 2010, they officially founded the Miami Deaf Center, a church for the Deaf, where they offer weekly services in ASL, Bible studies, retreats, and marriage ministry. Claudia and Marcelo continue to pastor the Deaf Church, reaching more Deaf people with the gospel and preparing them for ministry.

Viva Deaf Ministry - Orlando, FL

Stephanie Fernandez is a credentialed minister with the Assemblies of God at Viva Church and the principal of the School of Ministry Online: Global Deaf. 

She accepted Jesus at the age of 18 and has been serving God since 2010 as a worship leader and Bible teacher. Stephanie was born and raised in Florida for 33 years before moving to Rochester, NY, where she has resided for the past 2 years.

She met her husband, Arturo Peralta, at the Miami Deaf Retreat in 2013, where he served as a leader from the Dominican Republic. They have been happily married for 5 years. Stephanie is passionate about teaching others about God and helping them grow in their faith.

Miami Deaf Center - Miami, FL

Betty Cerasoli was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, in a third-generation Deaf family. Her sons are CODAs (Children of Deaf Adults). At the age of 27, she surrendered her life to Jesus and has been serving in church ministry for 29 years. 

Married for six years to Walter Cerasoli, who also comes from a Deaf family, they share a unique and beautiful connection, as Walter’s two sons are also Deaf. Together, they have been serving at the Miami Deaf Center for 13 years, where they are involved in mission work, Bible teaching, and supporting the Deaf community.

A passionate worshiper and committed to her growth in ministry, Betty is currently in her fourth year at the School of Ministry, working toward completing her ministerial leadership certification. Her heart is to encourage others in their walk with Christ, especially within the Deaf community, and to inspire women to step into their God-given purpose.

Viva Deaf Ministry - Orlando, FL

Damaris was born in New Jersey. In August 1995 her parent moved to Florida when she was 13. She accepted Jesus when she was 16. Damaris is the event and activities leader at Viva Deaf Ministry and is currently studying at the School of Ministry to earn her 4-year leadership certification. She has been a leader for 2 years and volunteered at church for 5 years. Damaris has been married to her husband, Jose, since 2022, and they have 2 beautiful children, Max and Sophie. She loves serving God and feels joy when helping others. Her favorite verse is Joshua 1:9. 

Fun fact: Damaris enjoys cooking and loves chocolate banana milkshakes.

Miami Deaf Center - Miami, FL

Kathleen Valle also known as Katie, born and raised in Miami, FL. She is the only deaf/ hard of hearing in the family. She is currently married for 17 years to her high school sweetheart Gunther Valle who is also Deaf. Both have 2 beautiful children who is a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults). In 2012 Katie Surrender Her life to Jesus and has been serving the Lord in Miami Deaf Center Church. 

Katie and her husband Gunther are currently serving as Co-Pastors In Miami Deaf Center Church along side with Marcelo and Claudia Simonian. Katie and her husband are also taking School of Ministry to complete their 4th year leadership certification. 

Katie’s Desire is to please God and be a faithful servant doing the will of God as He called us all to be a faithful servant of Jesus Christ as her favorite verse is Matthew 28: 19-20 Go make disciples of all nation baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey as I taught you to do and surely I am with you till the end.  

Iglesia Nuevo Testamento (Ministerio de sordos EFATA) - Santo Domingo, Dominican Repbublic

Georgianna was born Deaf and has two Deaf older brothers, Carol and Arturo. Since she was a young child, she has felt God's special call on her life. In 2009, she surrendered her life to Jesus and dedicated herself to following Him. She is a Pentecostal Christian and a leader in her church, where she shares God's message and leads worship with the help of an interpreter team. Sharing God's love with others is her greatest passion.

Georgianna is currently studying at the School of Ministry to earn her 4-year leadership certification. She enjoys spending time with her family, especially at the beach, and loves connecting with people who share her faith. She is also deeply interested in learning more about the culture of Christian Deaf people, as she believes that God has a unique plan for everyone, no matter how they hear or speak. Anna is very grateful for the support and encouragement she receives from her parents as she continues to follow God's path for her life.

King's Way Church - Versailles, KY

Ashley Crouch is a pastor, who was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky. She was born deaf and wore hearing aids until her late 20's, then she transitioned to cochlear implants. She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at 8 years old. Ashley and her husband are currently studying at the School of Ministry to earn their 4-year leadership certification. Ashley has been married to her high school sweetheart for 25 years. They have two children, who are now 24 and 23 years old. 

She is a child of God who love to sign and worship. While she is branching out to further God's calling on her life, she currently works for the 2nd largest school district in Kentucky as a payroll specialist.